Agenda item

The Head of Children’s Social Care referred to the independent review of Children’s Social Care which was commissioned by the Department for Education in March 2021.  This is a national piece of work into the delivery of Children’s Social Care Services.  The Panel heard that the work includes extensive consultation with stakeholders and young people, with representatives of the Children in Care Council, including Mitchell Green, submitting their views. 

The ADCS North East Submission to the Independent review (for copy see file) was commissioned by the 12 directors of Children’s Services to reflect their views as statutory leaders, and has been submitted as part of the independent review. The Head of Children’s Social Care referred to the issues raised by Councillor Gunn in the previous item and informed the Panel that the review aims to address these issues, with the challenge in respect of sufficiency being a central part of the review.  Councillor Gunn responded that she would be grateful for further information in due course. The Head of Children’s Social Care agreed to circulate the ‘case for change’ document and update the Panel on learning from the review, as work progresses.